This week's Pep Talk: "Keep Spirit Alive"

In cities across America in late February, thousands decided to spend their Sunday morning a little differently. Instead of lying in bed reading the newspaper or watching the morning talk shows, these hardy souls decided to set fire to their lungs and legs. But local fire departments did nothing to douse the infernos since the fires were fueling the American Lung Association’s great work in fighting lung-related illnesses in our country.

In Denver, the gluttons for punishment walked, ran and staggered up 56 floors of a downtown office building. This year’s “Fight for Air” climb set records for money raised and participants. Each man or woman had individual reasons for lambasting lungs and legs, but we shared a common bond: a burning desire to raise money for research and programs to help others – perhaps ourselves – battle lung-related illnesses.

My father died of lung cancer almost three years ago. I miss him everyday, especially our time spent on the golf course. My old man was one lucky hacker. We had many great moments on the course together. To honor Marvin Walter McIntosh, Jr., I trekked to the top carrying my golf clubs.

“Why in the heck are you carrying golf clubs?” was a common question as I waited, like a hacker at the first tee, with my Kinetics Fitness Studio teammates to start the journey. “It’s the least I can do to honor my father and remember the joy we shared on the links” was my joyful response.

Whenever standing before a group and leading a Pep Talk discussion, we talk a lot about “never growing weary of doing good things for others.” We discuss the importance of, “it’s better to give than receive” and “believe in the law of circulation” and “one good deed leads to another.”

In downtown Denver, and around the country, Americans united, were one heart beat. Despite the searing pain and lack of breath, it sure felt good to rally around one another for a good cause. It also felt good to honor my father. When was the last time you did something to honor someone who impacted your life in a positive manner? Maybe it’s a deceased parent, perhaps a former teacher, coach or business mentor?

There’s something magical about honoring the spirit of another. While they physically have departed, we can choose to keep their spirit alive. It doesn’t have to entail starting a fire in your legs and lungs but I promise you this, your actions will create a spark keeping their eternal flame flickering.

This week, take the time to remember, via actions, someone who touched your life - keep ‘em alive, in spirit, okay? Your good deed will honor their legacy and serve you and others well. As Emerson once said, “serve and thou shall be served.”